Page 36

Chapter 35

Of All Females

Viktor

I entered the throne room and immediately dropped to one knee before him. I knew he was sitting in front of the statue I’d had created for him, looking just as regal as always. Dressed in gold and dark blue, his pale skin looking at home in the midst of colors he loved so much. I knew he’d have a girl on his lap to keep him company and feed him, some pretty human doll he’d collected for the next few nights.

“Is it done?” he asked, his tone bored. As if he had so many other things to be doing right now than listening to my report. But what did I know? Maybe he did. I couldn’t imagine anything more important than the Outcasts and our cause, but I didn’t rule the way he did. I wasn’t in charge, and it wasn’t my place to question him.

“Of course, Master. He’s been taken to a new safe house near the Court of Ravens, and she’s… she’s on a war path, to be blunt. I imagine she’ll be at your door soon. I left the trail, just like you told me to.” I spoke without glancing up. He hated eye contact unless we obtained permission first. Though it killed me not to see his face when we spoke, I loved having his eyes on me.

Sometimes it was hard working for him; he wanted things done exactly the way he asked, and not with a pittance of difference. However, I did it anyway. Whatever he asked for, I’d do my utmost to give him. It was my duty and my honor to serve him.

“Good, good.” I heard him rise from his throne, the girl’s feet hitting the floor and walking off as he walked closer to me. “Cora, my dove, take Erika with you to your chambers. I need some time with Viktor,” he stated.

“Of course, Master,” Cora whispered. I heard her and the other girl’s footsteps leave the throne room.

My heart started thudding against my rib cage as he continued walking until he stopped in front of me. “Look at me, Viktor, and rise to your feet.”

I looked up into his startling blue eyes and slowly rose from the floor. We were so close I could feel the heat coming from his body. His dark hair was perfectly styled in straight locks that framed his sharp features. Not a blemish in sight.

“I’m proud of you, Viktor, have I told you that lately?” he asked me, his tone so gentle it made my insides purr.

“No, Master. You haven’t. But I always know you are. It shows in your actions,” I replied, trying not to stumble over my words. Trying to sound more confident than I felt in his presence.

He smirked and gripped my chin. He was a bit shorter than me, the top of his head reaching my eyebrows, but it had never taken away from the power he emanated whenever he blessed me with his presence and attention. I’d worked tirelessly for so many years to garner his favor and then build his trust in my abilities. To finally have it meant everything to me.

“You miss nothing, Viktor, and I love that about you.” My heart nearly stopped when he pulled my mouth to his in a quick, delicate kiss. His lips felt like ice against mine, and I’d never craved the cold more than I did right now. “Come with me.”

He led me away from the throne room and into one of his chambers. The room was gold, beige, and blue—just like the rest of the castle. His bed was in the middle of the room, surrounded by large open windows and gold sheer curtains. Normally there were other females in the room, kneeling on the floor and waiting for him to call upon them. But tonight, it seemed to be just the two of us. My palms started to feel clammy at the thought.

He sat on the bed, pulling me in front of him. “Kneel, Viktor. Your gaze may remain.”

I dropped to my knees, glancing up at him, waiting for what was to come.

“I know this work I’ve had you doing hasn’t been… easy, Viktor. I know it’s been challenging losing friends along the way, having to work with the squalor you’ve been forced to entertain.” He shook his head in disgust before his voice softened. “I hope you’ll make it to see the end of this game with me. I think you’ll look handsome on a throne next to me, Viktor. Truly.” He ran his hands through my hair and smiled sadly, as if he knew something that I didn’t.

“I need you to finish questioning Raiden before Silvana finds him,” he stated.

“Before Silvana finds him? But, Master, I thought—” He shook his hand, and I stopped speaking.

“Did I ask for your thoughts, Viktor?” I shook my head, my gaze returning to the floor. “Silvana will find him, and that will be fine. They’ll come here together, and that’s what I need. Her back under my line of sight. I’ll handle the rest.”

Anxiety started to rise in my chest, but I pushed it down. He’d tell me what I needed to know, and I didn’t need to worry about the rest. I just needed to do my job and make him proud.

So that’s what I’d do. I didn’t care about a throne or the recognition. I just wanted to be by his side, so I’d do whatever was asked of me. I’d already taken care of the mighty shadow lord—what else could possibly get in the way of me and the male I loved? Nothing.

Keres was mine, and nothing would stop us.

Especially not Silvana, of all females.